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Palm Beach, FL – Jim Rollston received the Rudd Scholarship for his best-in-class performance at the Palm Beach Advanced Sommelier examination last week. The Rudd Scholarship honors the individual achieving the highest score at each of the Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced exams with a $5,000 scholarship and the opportunity to participate in the annual Rudd Master’s Roundtable. At this exam, a second place Rudd Scholarship of $2,500 was also awarded to runner-up Jane Lopes.

Rollston, who is currently the sommelier at restaurant Baume in Palo Alto, expressed gratitude to the help and mentorship of his study group and the guidance of local Masters, mentioning that “one of the best parts of the [CMS] program is just how seriously everyone takes their responsibilities of mentoring and paying it forward.” Rollston also credited the Guild of Sommeliers, noting that, “the Guild is now such an amazing resource for study. The study guide, Compendium, podcasts and community all provide absolutely amazing information to prepare for the exams.” Rollston is looking forward to participating in the Rudd Roundtable as he continues his studies for the MS exam.

On the East Coast, Lopes mentioned that she was excited to use her scholarship to travel and visit wine regions before she helps to open the Altamarea Group’s Ristorante Morini in Manhattan as a sommelier this fall. Lopes also expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to attend the Rudd Roundtable to hone her skills and wine theory in preparation for the MS exam. “Having the chance to interact with a team of Masters and like-minded colleagues is sure to be incredible.”

Master Sommelier Drew Hendricks, Vice President of Marketing for Rudd Winery, explained that the Rudd Scholarships and Rudd Roundtable come at a perfect time to support students as they begin preparing for their Master exams. “The Rudd family,” he adds, “is proud to be a part of the support system during these sommeliers’ journeys.”

The Rudd Scholar program is made possible by a grant from the Rudd Foundation and Mr. Leslie Rudd. Mr. Rudd is the proprietor of Rudd Oakville Estate, Edge Hill Winery, PRESS Restaurant, Dean & DeLuca and the Oakville Grocery.